The Partnership for Ontario County invites the community to an inspiring talk by Richard Casper, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Finger Lakes Community College.
After surviving multiple IED blasts and personal loss in Iraq, Richard Casper, now a CNN Hero and TIME Next Generation Leader, found healing through art and music, leading him to launch CreatiVets, a nationally recognized nonprofit that helps Veterans’ health through creative expression. Saturday’s event is part of a series hosted by the Veterans Coalition of the Finger Lakes during Military Appreciation Month.
After surviving four IED explosions in Iraq and the devastating loss of a fellow Marine, Purple Heart-recipient Richard Casper returned home with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. Through art and music, he found a path to healing, a journey that led to the creation of CreatiVets, which empowers Veterans to tell their stories and rebuild through creative expression. His journey to healing includes attending graduate school at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where his idea for CreatiVets began to develop.
Casper has been named a CNN Hero and one of TIME Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders. His story is featured in TIME’s documentary Evidence of Things Unseen and has been recognized by President George W. Bush and The Bush Institute for his dedication to fellow Veterans.
Richard has taught art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Virginia Commonwealth University, Belmont University, and the University of Southern California. He is a keynote speaker, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He lives in Nashville with his wife Ashley, son, Barrett, and daughter, Quinn.
Tammy and Peter Bresette, U.S. Army Veterans and community members, shared: “Veteran-centered events help us build camaraderie among Veterans and show community support and awareness, which is needed for many of us.”
Gwen Van Laeken, executive director of The Partnership for Ontario County, added: “We warmly welcome Veterans, their families, and the entire community to join us for this powerful talk with Richard Casper. His journey is one of resilience, healing, and hope, and his message resonates deeply during this time of reflection and appreciation. Richard’s life of public service and dedication to helping others is an inspiring story that people of all age groups can appreciate and benefit from.”
The Partnership for Ontario County is a nonprofit organization committed to creating, supporting, and administering alliances that cultivate positive social change. Through a wide range of programs and initiatives, The Partnership works to build a stronger, healthier, and more connected Ontario County.
About the Veterans Coalition of the Finger Lakes
A program of The Partnership for Ontario County, the Veterans Coalition supports Veterans and their families through community partnerships, events, and awareness initiatives focused on wellness and connection.
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